Sexual health and treatment seeking behaviour among currently married women living with HIV/AIDS in Karnataka, India

Abstract

An attempt is made to understand sexual health problems and health-seeking behavior among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) in Bagalkot district, Karnataka, India. The data set is from a cross-sectional survey of 633 young married WLHA. The results of the study indicate that sexually transmitted infection (STI) were the main concern as 33% of respondents experienced STI during the past three months. Among those experienced STI, only about 57% sought treatment for the STI they had in the past 3 months. While health-seeking behavior is more or less same by age group and literacy level, however, those from rural areas were more likely to seek treatment compared to their urban counterparts. As far as the place of treatment is concerned, a large majority visit government hospital for the STI treatment (84%). For the remaining women, special strategies are required so that they can access and utilize health care services.